Why Are US Embassies Suddenly Cancelling Visa Interviews Without Notice?
If you’ve been waiting for your US visa interview or are in the middle of the application process, recent developments may affect you. Many applicants are experiencing unexpected interview cancellations—sometimes without any prior notice. Others are being required to submit complete documentation before an interview can even be scheduled.
US Immigration Talks
Let’s break down what’s going on, what new policies are emerging, and how to protect your application from unnecessary delays.
Sudden Interview Cancellations: What’s Happening?
We’ve been hearing from a growing number of applicants—especially those applying for student visas, tourist visas, and certain work visas—that their scheduled visa interviews are being abruptly cancelled. In many of these cases, the applicants had previously been denied a visa under Section 214(b) (typically for not demonstrating strong ties to their home country). After reapplying just weeks or months later, their new interview appointments were automatically cancelled by the embassy.
Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
- The applicant fills out a new DS-160, pays the visa fee, and books a new interview.
- Shortly after, the embassy sends an email cancellation without a clear explanation.
- This cancellation often stems from internal systems—possibly even AI-powered—detecting that the applicant’s circumstances haven’t substantially changed since the last denial.
Why Are Embassies Doing This?
The likely reason: efficiency and limited staffing.
Following staff reductions during the Trump administration, many US embassies and consulates are still operating with fewer consular officers. To manage the overwhelming volume of applications, they’re prioritizing interviews for those with a higher likelihood of approval.
If an applicant re-applies too quickly after a prior refusal, especially without meaningful changes to their profile, the embassy may cancel the interview to avoid wasting valuable resources.
New Document Policy Starting May 19 – Beginning in Manila
In another major development, the US Embassy in Manila will soon begin enforcing a new policy starting May 19. Under this rule, applicants who arrive at their interview without a complete set of required documents will have their interview cancelled immediately.
Worse yet, they’ll be sent to the back of the line—which could mean months of delays.
This policy is expected to roll out to other embassies soon, including:
- Lagos
- Islamabad
- Mumbai
- Rome
More consulates may be added in the coming months.
What Documents Must You Bring to Avoid Cancellation?
If your interview is after May 19—or if you’re attending in one of the listed consulates—make sure to bring every required document, including:
- A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
- All civil documents: Original birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, etc.
- Police clearance certificate: Must be original and up-to-date.
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): Along with supporting documents such as tax returns from your US petitioner.
- DS-260 confirmation page
- Completed and valid medical exam results
If any of these are missing, your interview will be cancelled on the spot.
Why This Strict Approach?
Once again, it’s all about maximizing efficiency. With limited staff and mounting backlogs, embassies simply cannot afford to waste interview slots on unprepared applicants.
By enforcing strict documentation policies, consular officers can focus their limited time on cases that are ready to be adjudicated. The message is clear: Come fully prepared, or don’t come at all.
If you or a family member have a visa interview scheduled—especially after May 19—review your paperwork carefully. Better yet, consult an immigration attorney to make sure everything is in order.
If you’re unsure whether this policy affects your consulate, let us know in the comments which embassy you’re working with. And if this information helped you, don’t forget to share it with others who may benefit.